Southeast Wisconsin remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice

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SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- The true meaning of Memorial Day is not lost on veterans and others who attended Memorial Day parades across the area on Monday. 

Elm Grove held their annual Memorial Day parade Monday morning and in the afternoon, it was Milwaukee's turn. 

Many veterans at both parades said they felt honored to be recognized today. 

"I think it's a terrific day to honor those that didn't make it back like I did," said veteran John Allen. 

Allen is one of many veterans that turned out to watch the annual Elm Grove Memorial Day parade. 

"If you just honor all the vets and everything and hope the VA gets taken care of, all the troops that need it a lot of them need some help," said another veteran, Alan Schimel. 

For many, Memorial Day marks the official start of summer, but many parade-goers recognized it's a lot more than that. 

"It's always important to remember what's going on in the world and people who've served, and we've lost," said parade watcher Michelle Kallie. 

Monday's heat also wasn't stopping people from coming out in Elm Grove. 

"We have popsicles, water, margaritas, bloody Marys," Kallie said.

In Milwaukee, dozens of people gathered along Wisconsin Avenue to watch the parade Monday afternoon, including veterans. 

"I served from 2001-2005," Jeff Potters told CBS 58. 

Potters hopes people remember that Memorial Day is more than just a day off work and school. 

"The true Memorial Day meaning is just to stop and take a minute to think about someone else that gave the ultimate price for you to be here." 

Following the parade in Milwaukee, a wreath-laying ceremony and brick dedication were held in Veterans Park. 

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